UAS Associate Pilot

Valmont Industries, Inc.

4d • Remote

About The Position

Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) Pilots are responsible for piloting high end drone systems used for aerial inspections of transmission line structures, among other applications. As the Pilot in Command, the sUAS Pilot has ultimate say in ensuring safe flight operations in the field. The pilot also will document environmental conditions and known hazards, and coordinate with the project manager or other Valmont personnel to confirm aircraft deconfliction notice filings with customers and the FAA. Often, UAS Pilots work in conjunction with a camera operator and a visual observer (VO), and must demonstrate strong teamwork, communication skills and crew resource management.

Requirements

• FAA Part 107 Certification
• Pass a drug screening test
• Ability to travel up to 95% and have valid driver’s license
• Familiar with flying drone platforms of various sizes and be able to learn the platform(s) used for Valmont drone operations
• Hold or be able to obtain an OSHA-30 Certification, First Aid/CPR certification, and valid driver’s license
• Comfortable working outdoors in remote environments in both hot and cold weather
• Basic computer skills, including file transfer and organization, and familiarity with the Windows platform
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, flexibility, and good communication skills
• Proactive in offering help and pitching in where needed to ensure operations go smoothly and maintain a welcoming work environment
• Good mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Able to proactively seek out answers for any equipment or work-related issues that arise

Nice To Haves

• Bachelors or Associates Degree
• 20 logged and verifiable sUAS flight hours
• Experience with flying in and around energized utility lines and aerial structures
• Experience with RTK drone technology
• Knowledge of 3D mapping/modeling

Responsibilities

• Safely operate drones in close quarters and execute emergency landing procedures in the event of signal loss or other danger (e.g., sudden high winds).
• Learn and adhere to specific flight SOPs for aerial inspections and for operating within specified weather conditions to ensure safety.
• Document environmental conditions and known hazards.
• Coordinate with the project manager or other Valmont personnel to confirm aircraft deconfliction notice filings with customers and the FAA.
• Communicate clearly and directly with the camera operator (and VO) throughout the duration of each flight.
• Respond immediately to any issues with the drone, whether experienced personally or identified by the camera operator or VO.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and known hazards at all times during flight operations.
• Examine all gear (drone, props, controllers, monitors, batteries) prior to each flight and pause operations if anomalies are found.
• Clean all gear upon return to main office at the end of each day and return items to correct locations for safe storage.
• Maintain daily crew flight and inspection activity logs.
• Perform routine maintenance checks to identify equipment in need of repair or replacement.
• Execute safety protocols at the work site including completing written Task Hazard Analysis forms, implement Emergency Action Plans and securing the area for drone flights.
• Assist with filing, inventory checks, equipment maintenance, and general cleaning and administrative tasks at the office.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree